Florida University Shutters College Republicans over Antisemitism

The University of Florida has deactivated its College Republicans chapter after a photo surfaced showing a student leader appearing to perform a Nazi salute.

University officials said the gesture violated campus policies, announcing the decision in a statement posted March 14.

The image, circulated online by journalist Sloan Rachmuth, showed two students making the gesture in a group chat on Guilded, a messaging platform originally created for gaming communities that shut down in late 2025.

The Florida Federation of College Republicans had asked the university to disband the chapter while the group reorganizes, citing what it described as a pattern of conduct that violated its rules and values.

However, the campus organization disputes the federation’s authority, saying it is affiliated instead with the national group College Republicans of America.

In a statement, the UF chapter accused the federation of misleading the university and said it has retained legal counsel. The group argued the move was an attempt to silence conservative student organizations.

The suspension comes shortly after the chapter hosted Florida gubernatorial candidate James Fishback on campus. Fishback has been criticized for rhetoric praised by far-right commentator Nick Fuentes.

Fishback said he plans to support the chapter’s legal challenge, writing that student groups’ free speech rights must be protected regardless of political views.

The university said the chapter could be reinstated once new leadership is installed. Officials added that the school remains committed to combating antisemitism and protecting Jewish students.

Some Republican leaders criticized the decision as an example of “cancel culture,” while others, including Senator Rick Scott, supported the move and said antisemitism has no place in politics or higher education.